Public dialogue and policy making
BIS funds the Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre for Public Dialogue in Science and Innovation (ERC) which aims to help policy makers commission and use public dialogue to inform policy decisions in emerging areas of science and technology.
BIS funds the Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre for Public Dialogue in Science and Innovation (ERC) which aims to help policy makers commission and use public dialogue to inform policy decisions in emerging areas of science and technology.
It consists of a comprehensive online resource of information, advice and guidance together with a wide range of support services aimed at policy makers and all the different stakeholders involved in science and technology policy making, including the public.
The Sciencewise-ERC also provides co-funding to Government departments and agencies to develop and commission public dialogue activities.
What is ‘public dialogue’?
Public dialogue is one form of public engagement. It is a comparatively new method, which sits alongside other activities and has a specific role to play in the science and technology policy-making process.
Public dialogue is defined by Sciencewise-ERC as a ‘two-way’ conversation between policy makers and scientists on the one hand, and the public on the other. It does not seek to find out people’s views on a range of policy options that have already been developed. Rather, it aims to find out people’s hopes, fears and aspirations about potential new areas of science and technology.
